James "Road Runner" Tyndal of the Harlem Wizards performs a trick shot at Riley Intermediate School in Northlake on April 12. (Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press)

A visit by the Harlem Wizards show basketball organization last week helped raise more than $3,300 at Berkeley School District 87, officials said.

The team’s players visited students during assemblies at the district’s schools throughout the school day on April 12. It culminated in a showcase that night at West Leyden High School.

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Terri Bresnahan, the district’s superintendent, said 541 tickets were sold for the game.

“It was a great opportunity to bring the community together across all six schools for a fun, entertaining and positive experience,” Bresnahan said. “The Harlem Wizards are role models for our students and have a strong message about giving back to your community and the importance of education.”

Money raised helps support the costs of field trips for students for the next school year, the superintendent said.

James "Road Runner" Tyndal of the Harlem Wizards high-fives students at Riley Intermediate School in Northlake. (Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press)

According to the Wizards’ website — www.harlemwizards.com — team members use comedy and audience participation at its games and assemblies. There are several “units” of players who take part in the events.

Bresnahan said 25 staff members played on an all-star team in the Wizards’ showcase game, adding that more than 50 staff and parent volunteers also were part of the event.

“Each assembly at the six schools invited two students to the front to do some fun basketball tricks with the players,” Bresnahan said, adding that the game was interactive and parents and children were selected to play a game at halftime.

There also were prizes given away, and Bresnahan said the event included “a comedic wedding ceremony.”

“This event far exceeded our expectations for hosting it for the first time,” Bresnahan said. “We are so grateful that our District 87 community came out to support the schools and share in this experience! The volunteers of District 87 made it all possible.”

Edgar Sanchez, fifth-grader at Riley Intermediate School performs a trick with the Harlem Wizards in Northlake on April 12. (Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press)

Jalissa Castro, third-grader at Riley Intermediate School, spins a ball on her finger with the Harlem Wizards in Northlake. (Mike Mantucca/Pioneer Press)